London: Researchers have tested an artificial pancreas that could one day improve lives of millions of people suffering from diabetes in a home environment for the first time.

Blood glucose levels are monitored by the device, which uses an infrared data link to relay info to an insulin pump attached to the patient's body, which adjusts insulin levels accordingly.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have been working on the artificial pancreas for many years and by the end of this year, 24 people will have taken part in home trials, the Independent reported.

However, the device still has a long way before it is commonly available as a treatment for Type 1 diabetes, and will initially be used only to stop people's insulin levels from falling too low at night.